Lucy Lawless to star in new TEN drama My Life is Murder

Former Xena star Lucy Lawless will star in a new TEN crime drama, My Life is Murder.

The series to be produced by CJZ will feature Lawless as investigator Alexa Crowe, who cannot help fighting the good fight – whether it is solving murders or combatting the small frustrations of everyday life. Fearless and unapologetic, Alexa’s unique skills and insights into the darker quirks of human nature, allows her to provoke, comfort and push the right buttons as she unravels the truth behind the most baffling of crimes.

Lawless has more recently featured in Ash vs Evil Dead, Salem, Agents of SHIELD and ABC’s The Code.

TEN Head of Drama, Rick Maier, said: “Crimes that confound your average detective are more than an irritant for Alexa Crowe. She is not your average cop. Brilliant, insightful, and completely without filter, Alexa is that rare breed of television hero: She doesn’t give a damn how she solves the crime or who she offends in the process, as long as she gets it done.

“A star-turn for a great actress in Lucy Lawless, brilliant scripts from some of our best writers, and a cracking yarn each week. My Life is Murder will be one of the freshest new dramas on our screens next year.”

Screen Australia Head of Production, Sally Caplan, said: “This captivating female-led story made My Life Is Murder a highly attractive project for Screen Australia. It’s a coup for CJZ and Network TEN to have pop culture legend Lucy Lawless on board to star in her first Australian lead role. Lucy’s character is intriguing and I’m sure will appeal to Australian and international audiences.”

CJZ Head of Drama Development, Claire Tonkin, said: “With a fascinating and deeply irreverent investigator at its heart, developing this crime series has been the most fun you can have while plotting murder (of the fictional variety). We are thrilled to partner with Screen Australia and Network TEN – and what an absolute joy to be working with the brilliant Lucy Lawless to bring this fearless character to life.”

The 10 part series will be written by Jane Allen, Peter Gawler and Claire Tonkin, shooting in Melbourne at the end of 2018.

TEN is also yet to formally announce upcoming drama Five Bedrooms.

My Life Is Murder is a CJZ production for Network Ten. Principal production investment from Network Ten in association with Screen Australia. Financed with support from Film Victoria. International distribution will be handled by DCD Rights.

OMG! Finally Lucy “Flawless” Lawless might actually get to star in a vehicle worthy of her many talents.

I hope that they take full advantage of Lawless’ ability to balance drama and comedy (i.e. that My Life is Murder isn’t some sombre, “dark and gritty” series).

It’s going to be so very wonderful to regularly see Lucy Lawless on the small screen again. Sure, there was “Ash v Evil Dead”, but I found it to be very hit or miss, even if it provided Lawless with the opportunity to play multiple versions of the same character. Of course, it saddens me to think that Lawless is now unavailable for any Xena: Warrior Princess revival, especially following the recent news of a Buffy continuation, but it seems as though that ship has sailed anyway (and NBC reportedly consider Lawless too old to reprise her iconic role which is incredibly ageist and inaccurate given her recent…